Monday, August 22, 2016

Touching bases with our Editor, Bixyl, he gave us some locations, to
consider for our next story. He was especially interested in one called
"Creations for Parkinson's". Here, we will find shops and exhibits to
raise donations to Team Fox for Parkinson's research, a fundraising
program at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. As an active supporter and
member of the Sunbeamer RFL team, we are always happy to promote the
work of all such team events.

From personal experience, there are "tricks of the trade" that can
improve your success at asking people, "Got any spare change, man?". We
often explained to our panhandling friends that if they provide their
benefactors with some entertainment, even if it's just a silly little
song and dance (that actually is VERY good at getting tips). So, in the
back of our mind, as we approach the Creations Park sim, we're
anticipating finding out if Team Fox has a song and dance for our
entertainment. One of our extra-favorite types of entertainment is to
see, hear and do things that I have never done before. On this
adventure, our fun meter went off the scale. We kept thinking, this
story is going to have us looking in the Thesaurus, to brush up on our
list of superlatives.

On the first trip to Creations Park, thoughts of Disneyland come to
mind. How did they fit so many attractions on one sim? It is also
covered in vegetation. Navigating the paths sometimes requires using
Mouselook and checking your locations on the map. But wait, there's
more!!! Creations Park is flanked on the West by Merlin Gardens sim and on
the East by Frantastica sim. Each of these has it's own ton of fun
attractions to explore.

Creations Park is the fund raising center and the Southwest quarter of
the sim has many boutiques that share profits with Team Fox. This area
brings to mind Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, in their selections of
clothing, furniture and landscaping plants. Come buy something
glamorous, while helping out a good cause. You can also donate directly
to Team Fox. There are paths that lead to all the attractions on the
sim, like the castle, Aladdin's palace, a pirate ship, a beach and
gardens. There are also TPs, to take you to locations in the sky and
we'll cover one of our favorites, shortly.

There's nothing we like better than stepping off the beaten trail and
blazing our own path. At this location, this could lead to an unplanned
visit to Atlantis, in the waters below, but it could also lead to
finding a secret attraction. In an unmarked tunnel, that takes a
short-cut through a hill, we spotted large rainbow colored gems and a
ball of lightning, that one can meditate in. We had never seen one of
these and had to try it out.

Every area on the three sims that we explored had beautiful scenery and
music streams that reduce stress and energize the soul. While visiting
Merlin Gardens, Sha found a bench and sat down to read a book and sent
us AFK for an ice cream break. After a good half hour, we were ready to
check out the amusement park, on the Frantastica sim. The rides there
were better than any we had ever tried. We made a note, saying that,
with all this smiling and jaw dropping, we might need a sling to rest
our mouth.

Our first visit here must have been fun, because 3:30 AM came in a
flash. We decided to head home and continue exploring the next night.
Before logging out for the night, an IM came in from our friend Erik
Mouse, asking our help in solving a mystery. There was a '57 Chevy
Belair on the seafloor by his island. We recognized the owner and
returned the car, but Erik was still agitated, by how it could of gotten
there in the first place. To calm him down, we changed the subject and
told him about the fun we were having, while researching this article.
We told Erik, if he came there and tried the amusement park, we would
include a picture of him in the article.

After getting him to try the water slide, space needle and bungee jump,
we took a ride together on the Ferris wheel. Unlike the other rides, the
Ferris wheel has no time limit, so we rode for a long time, before
asking him if he would recommend this place to my readers. After a short
pause, his reply came, "Um....YES, I would." By this time, the sun was
beginning to come up in real-life, so we parted company for the night.

One of the LMs that Bixyl had provided was for the Chapel of Eternal
Love, located 4001 meters above Creation Park, so we went there on our
next visit. This elevated area is the icing on the Creations cake. I
found this to be an awesome, inspirational adventure. As I put the
pictures and words together for this article, I found they can't begin
to show how great the joy is when you visit. To enhance our story, we
have made a video of scenes taken in the Chapel of Eternal Love. We hope
you will go see for yourself . Team Fox has brought us a piece of
heaven to inspire a helping hand. Let's show them that they have earned
our "spare change."

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Long before becoming a SL Newser Reporter, we had already developed the
skill of finding new areas to explore, by scanning the World Map. Our
previous article, about Antiquity, turned out so well, we decided to
test it again, this time a bit closer to our home in Sunweaver Bay.
Zooming out, we located an area of interest, about 7.16 miles West from
home. The first thing we notice about the area is that there are over 20
small islands, scattered around the 12 sims, which are arranged in the
shape of a cross. It was a safe bet that some type of boat would be
needed to explore this area. Zooming in closer on the map, we find the
centrally located Trade Winds sim has docks for large ships, all along
it's West side. Starting our adventure here will tell us what kinds of
ships are used by the local residents and there will probably be
merchants of ships. This is also a good place to learn the local rules
that must be followed.

We set a target on the dock and TP, landing, you guessed it, right in
front of a shop that sells ships. Before we can get our "land legs"
working, several notecards are given, stating the rules and which ships
are allowed. The rules inform us that these 12 sims are dedicated to
18th century sailing and warfare RP. While here, your clothing, speech
and means of transportation must fit the 18th century. Of important
note, your avatar cannot fly here. If your boat sinks, you will either
walk out or TP to a dryer location. Since this area is dedicated to 18th
century RP, your appearance must fit the period. Gorean and Fury is not
appropriate here.

If you are going to get involved in sea battles here, you must
use one of the ships that has the latest SPD damage meters. A list is
provided giving all the approved ships.

Non approved ships can be used, but not in battles, as long as they are
18th century wooden ships. If you are thinking of buying one of the
approved ships, there are some rezzers, on the dock, that let you see
the full ship. We found an open slip and rezzed our own, non approved
Armed Merchant ship and headed out to sea to see where the winds will
take us. Keep in mind, ships used here actually use SL winds to sail.
Often, the shortest distance between two points is not a straight line.
It can only be done by tacking a zig-zag route. We enjoyed getting in
some sailing practice and will likely return for more. On the other
side, it was hard to pilot and sight-see at the same time and we had to
kedge our way out of a few tight spots. At the North end of the docks,
you can find a rowboat rezzer. This is a fun way to get from island to
island and it stays rezzed as long as you stay on it. Hint: you can also
get around by using the World Map to TP to other islands, but good luck
on where you land.

The islands are dotted with towering rock spires and, by now,
we all know that Sha loves getting into higher perspectives [double
entendre]. If zooming the cam to the peaks reveals man made structures,
we would find a way to blaze a trail to the top.

Oddly enough, 18th century churches also seem to like these
lofty locations. Our favorite was the Goth church on Cayo Hueso. The
long and winding road to the top is very enjoyable and best done in
"mouselook". We have a passion for architectural wonders and climbed
every stair and opened any doors that were not locked.

Below the goth church, we find an older, simpler fortified church.
Wishing for a view from the watch tower, we find a rope that lets the
user do an animated climb to the roof top. After taking in the view, we
set course for the interior of the church. Belay them plans, matey. All
the church doors inform us that we don't have a key to this sacred
place. A parting zoom look through the upper Celtic cross window reveals
that this be a secret hang out of a pirate gang.

While it is true that the pirates are friendly, keep in mind their
interpretations may vary widely from yours. In one pirate pub there is a
metal grating in the floor, where the gang can drop you down to cages
below, where they keep the guest that they will be extra-friendly with.
Sha managed to get herself in a cage, in a room full of BDSM furniture.
The cage door won't open, unless we enter a code that picks the lock.
That would take too long to guess and, there were no guards, seeking
x-rated entertainment, so she takes out her notebook, for clues on how
to escape. Remembering having already made LMs in other islands, she
becomes enlightened that "the Poof will set you free."

Free again, Sha heads for the nearest church, to increase her share
of good luck. Spotting a confessional box, she goes in to get a clean
slate.

Sha: Bless me Father for I have sinned. I have plundered a fortune by shaking my booty around a pole, at club Cutlass.

Priest: The church forgives you my child. Now, for your penitence
say three OMGs and put a sack of 10% of your booty in the door by your
knees.

We begin to sense a mystery to unravel here. Pirates and
priests, how are they connected? Is it even possible to imagine a
congregation made up of pirates and wenches? If they're into the 10
commandments, do they have their own interpretation of the rules to a
good life?

In an open book, we spotted "The Pirate Code". It seems they have done
the 10 commandments one better. The Code has 11 articles. Remind you of
the rock band that had custom amplifiers, with volume knobs that go all
the way up to 11? In fact, article 11 states that all musicians have the
Sabbath off, by right and any other days, by favre only.

During our adventures at Trade Winds, we talked with and
befriended a high ranking region manager, called Matisse. Learning that
we were there preparing a story for the Newser, we were invited to join
the local group, with the title of "Rogue Photographer". That would
protect me from those that would hinder my progress. Hopefully, that
would also stop stray cannon balls from taking seat in my row boat.

Now, pay no attention to the 15 port side cannons, pointed in your
direction. Just be takin' our word on it, there be plenty of adventure
here. Come set yer keel in the water and thrust the sails to the skies.
There's magic in the air and the Pirates Code entitles you to a fair
share.

Friday, August 12, 2016

During our time as a Newser Reporter, we have explored many areas of
the Second Life Grid. Our writing style was strongly influenced by a movie seen
in childhood. Bambi's friend, Thumper, was told, by his mom, "If you
can't find anything nice to say about somebody, don't say anything at
all." When we hear of a possible location to write about, our first trip
there is a short visit, to get an intuitive feeling of the land and
it's residents. Intuition is hard to put into words, but within a half
hour one of two thoughts will enter our mind. It's either, "I can't wait
to tell readers about this adventure," or "there's no story here."

If you were to put all of the sims in the grid together, it would
form a square of 610 square miles. By comparison, a single sim is only
about .39 sq.mi. and there are currently 24229 active sims on the grid.
So, how does this reporter find these small areas that are fun
adventures, in such a big world? Newser staff meets once a month and the
Editor, Bixyl Shuften, usually provides leads to potential sims.
Another source is the Destination Guide, but this can be hit or miss
when looking for a fun place, and Sha has frequently wondered how much
the sim owner had to pay to get a mention in the guide. One of our
favorite search techniques is to open the World Map and pan and zoom
around the grid. We look for sim clusters which suggest community minded
residents. The layout of the terrain, streets and buildings will give
us an idea of the level of the ideal and practical skills that have
developed in these communities.

Studying the map, we found a 13 sim cluster. Each of the sim names
began with "Antiquity" and there were massive buildings on many of them.
We knew, before ever setting foot there, this would be a Great
Adventure.

We select an open field on the North Western sim. The landing puts us at
the foot of Mount St. Bruno, so we climb to the top for a better view
of the country to be explored. There is a gathering spot on the top of
the mountain; a clue that the natives might be friendly. From up here,
it is clear that it will require several visits just to get a look at
everything, so we start walking South, with plans of zig-zagging through
all 13 sims.

As our exploration began, we notice there is another
person about 2000 meters up, showing up on radar. Minutes later, this
same individual sent an instant-message, which was very unusual. She said that she
had seen our name on her radar and it seemed to be a name that she was
familiar with. After thinking a bit, she recalled that it was the name
of her favorite Newser Reporter, who had inspired her to go on many new
adventures of her own. We continued chatting, while taking notes in the
buildings that Sha was inspecting. Then the message sender informed us
that she was a local resident, named Cosette Rouages, who's job was to
write scripts, used in the builds. She was very excited that her
favorite reporter was there to do an article about Antiquity. After a
bit more chat, she invited us for a look at "the other half" of
Antiquity.

It turns out, at the 2000m altitude, the sky platforms cover
the entire 13 sims. A TP up and we spent hours talking and becoming
friends. She also wanted to arrange for a private tour, with the owner
of all the sims, Jacon Cortes de Bexar. Both of us live in the same real-life
time zone and as 4:30 am rolled around, we agreed to meet again, soon.
It would be necessary to return several more times, to take in all there
is to see and do.

There hadn't been many notes or pictures taken, on the first visit,
but that is par for the course. The plan now was to attend an event at
Cutlass and head back to Antiquity after. As we came on line to prepare
for the evening's events, there was already an IM waiting to be read.
This time, it was from the owner, Jacon Bexar. Cosette had told him all
about our meeting and he wanted me to come for a private tour. As soon
as my event was over, we headed back to our original LM in Antiquity.
After landing, Cosette appeared on radar, at ground level, standing in a
small group. The welcome committee was made up of Jacon, Cosette and
two other Ladies.

After introductions and other pleasantries, Jacon
would TP the group to his latest master build, a scale replica of
Buckingham Palace. To date, this build has taken three and a half years
and even every texture is from the real palace. Through out the tour,
there are easels set up, with photos of the original. Jacon says, be
sure to look up at the ceilings in each room. Each is a unique work of
art. We told Jacon that the most difficult part about writing an article
on Antiquity would be to avoid starting every sentence with OMG or WOW.
When our readers visit Antiquity for themselves, they can wear out
their own list of expletives.

Back at ground level, I traveled to all the sims and took lots of
pictures. Since this is an article and not a book, it will include some
photos and brief comments. If space is limited for the article, the full
length original and all the photos can be found at shaadventures.blogspot.com

The Antiquity Cathedral made me a bit nervous, because there is an autobot (the sim's name for bots that respond to you, not the cartoon robots)
cardinal at the altar and he kept turning in her direction. I eventually got
the courage to stand in front of him and explain, to the empty pews, her theory that god is a cyclops.

In the Royal Antiquity Theater, I took a seat in the balcony. I wonder if it
would be giving my age away, if I said, as kids we went to movies in
theaters as fancy as this one.

One shop sold a collection of "autobots," in period clothing. Many have a
menu. I was tempted to go back and buy a maid that offers a glass of
wine and a list of other services.

A harbor in the Argyle sim could be your next SL job, if ye be Pirate Friendly. Arrrrr!

Standing under the dome of the Texas State capital building, I recalled
seeing a movie with Burt Reynolds standing in the same spot.

I paused in a Texas one room school house, brushing up on Texas history and spitball making.

There are groups to join, like for Export Import Co., a pirate group and an Equine group. On the Marie Galante sim, there is even a large area for Merfolk.

I rode my own horse on the trails that cover several of the Eastern sims. I have
an AKK horse and now have a great place to take him on walks.

They have monthly horse events, like cross-country, fox hunt and chariot racing.

Having made videos in Second Life, I couldn't help but notice, everywhere I
went, the beautiful scenery all looked like perfect backgrounds for new
SL videos. I loved the various music streams that are encountered. They
were soothing and energizing. The few highlight given above are less
than half of the list of noteworthy places. By all means, Antiquity goes
on my list of "Must See" locations.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

I was sorry to miss the big opening event at Lea9 where King Kong reigns
anew and a few after that. Skull Island is the home of the mighty ape where he
was discovered over a century ago. For those who don’t know King Kong and his
history, “King Kong is a giant movie monster, resembling a colossal ape, that
has appeared in various media since 1933. The character first appeared in the
1933 film King Kong, which received universal acclaim upon its initial release
and re-releases. The film was remade in 1976 and once again in 2005. The
character has become one of the world's most famous movie icons, having inspired
countless sequels, remakes, spin-offs, imitators, parodies, cartoons, books,
comics, video games, theme park rides, and even a stage play. His role in the
different narratives varies, ranging from a rampaging monster to a tragic
antihero.

The Skull Island in Second Life is described as lush and it is. It is the
ultimate tropical land in SL. I walked the trails and paths and saw more flora
and fauna and insect life than I have seen in one location in Second Life in my nine plus
years. It is really gorgeous. It is very easy to move around. One has
options , teleports are located in main sites , or walking is a great option. I
took the teleport on my first visit just to orient myself and make sure I did
not miss any of the sites mentioned. On my second visit I decided to walk all of
the winding paths and watch the signs leading to the sites .The first
creatures I met were from the dark ancient Mesozoic age. On Skull Island
they have survived and mixed with more modern animals (including human). I knew
the mighty gorilla was somewhere here.

On my walk as I left the
visitor center I encountered an old friend that I had not seen since my camping
days almost nine years ago. It was nice to see her as she sat surrounded by
little friendly creatures that approached from the surrounding jungle.
After our reunion and conversation I started to roam. The vibrant flora is
striking and deserves a second look. In the recommended windlight it is almost
ethereal against the sky that warns of volcanic activity somewhere in the far
distance. I stopped at the well protected native village which was deserted at
the time and checked out the huts.

Outside the walls of the village I
visited a friendly Orangutan group and played some drums which they seemed to
like. My next stop was at the Crocodile Lake where I watched as a croc came out
of the water, grabbed a monkey and headed back to his rock....hard to watch but
all a part of nature. I did not stay very long after that. I passed by a
waterfall cave where a whole family of dinosaurs lived.

Next I took a tour
of the Caves that extended in different branches , each with its own surprise .
Take care! There is one with no exit . Running in the other direction I
emerged to meet a Komodo Dragon! I ran on by and did a circle to the other side
and found the entrance to an open glass tunnel that gives one a lovely view of
the underwater river. At the end there is a surprise .

There are more nooks
and crannies to view if you leave the paths and I will let you find them. On my
teleport journey my first visit was to the bird viewing platform . There I found
not only pterodactyls but parrots and other colorful and interesting birds . By
the way while you are wandering you can do a hunt for lost eggs.

I ran
through a tunnel and found myself facing the king in his home! I was able
to jump a raptor that was protecting him and get close to him. It was an amazing
sight! I sat in his hand knowing I could get away. Don’t miss that
opportunity!

My last teleport visit was to the final downfall of the mighty
King Kong. New York city is the last place poor Kong lived and died. It is a
fitting ending to the installation. At least I was able to go back to see him in
his home again in Lea 9.

This whole installation is the work of Mrs
MistyRose Lex (MistyRose Poindexter) and Mr.Lex (oldlex Resident). I applaud
their work.